NEW DELHI, July 18, 2024 – Today, the Supreme Court of India will hear over 40 petitions seeking the cancellation of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Undergraduate (NEET UG 2024). This hearing is crucial for over 23 lakh medical aspirants who are vying for seats in MBBS and BDS programs across the country. The petitions arise from allegations of a NEET UG 2024 paper leak, which have caused widespread concern and demands for a re-examination.
NEET UG 2024 Hearing Details
- Date: July 18, 2024
- Location: Supreme Court of India, New Delhi
- Issue: Allegations of NEET UG 2024 paper leak and calls for exam cancellation
NEET UG 2024 Controversy
The NEET UG 2024 exam faced controversy when rumours of a paper leak circulated on social media just days before the exam. The National Testing Agency (NTA) dismissed these claims, stating the exam would proceed as planned. Despite the NTA’s reassurances, the issue gained momentum when the results showed an unusually high number of students scoring top marks, leading to heightened suspicions and demands for a re-examination.
Supreme Court Hearing
To address the multitude of cases, the Supreme Court decided to consolidate all pending litigations from various high courts. This hearing will determine the legitimacy of the NEET UG 2024 exam and whether it should be annulled or upheld.
Meanwhile, a special court in Patna has sent the prime accused in the NEET-UG paper-leak case to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) custody for 14 days. The accused, Pankaj Kumar alias Aditya, a 2017 batch civil engineer from NIT Jamshedpur, is alleged to have stolen the NEET-UG paper from the NTA’s trunk in Hazaribagh. Additionally, the CBI has detained three doctors from Patna AIIMS, seizing their laptops and mobile phones.
An NTA official stated, “We have strictly followed protocols to ensure the integrity of the NEET UG 2024 examination. The allegations of a paper leak are baseless and have been refuted by a thorough analysis.”
A student representative advocating for a re-examination commented, “The credibility of the examination process must be maintained. We seek a fair and just resolution for all candidates affected by these allegations.”
IIT Madras Analysis
The IIT Madras conducted an in-depth analysis of the NEET UG 2024 data, using tools like Python, PostgreSQL, and Metabase. Their report concluded there was no mass or local malpractice, leading the education ministry to oppose calls for a re-examination. However, the Supreme Court’s decision will set a significant precedent for handling such allegations and will have far-reaching implications for the credibility of national exams.
The outcome of this hearing will be pivotal for the future of the NEET UG 2024 counselling process. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has already opened its portal for medical colleges to submit details on available MBBS seats. Depending on the court’s decision, the NEET UG counselling schedule might face delays or modifications.
The Supreme Court’s verdict on the NEET UG 2024 petitions will be crucial in determining the next steps for thousands of medical aspirants. This decision will also influence the protocols and measures for ensuring the integrity of future national examinations.
For the latest updates on the NEET UG 2024 case and related developments, visit the NEET UG 2024 official website. Stay informed and participate in discussions about this crucial issue affecting the future of medical education in India.
